Shipwide Resident Director

Disney Cruise Line (DCL), a division of The Walt Disney Company, operates a six-ship fleet of premium class cruise liners and is the industry leader in family vacations at sea. DCL Entertainment (Toronto) is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company Canada and serves as the rehearsal headquarters for DCL’s award-winning theatrical productions. Within a state-of-the-art entertainment rehearsal facility, DCL’s Entertainment Show Quality and Operations teams pride themselves on teaching and maintaining memorable family entertainment that is both enchanting and magical – delighting the young and young at heart with legendary Disney storytelling.
 

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and reporting to the Director, Artistic Operations, the Shipwide Resident Director will oversee existing “Shipwide” entertainment offerings (theatrical, sketch comedy, improvisational/immersive), leading a Disney Cruise Line Toronto show maintenance team and partnering with both the onboard entertainment operations team as well as the Disney Live Entertainment creative and production teams to remount and maintain existing DCL “Shipwide” entertainment product.

Role Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of Disney creative professionals and consultants, prioritizing the values of:  a positive workplace culture, relevancy & belonging, inspiration & aspiration, performance recognition & feedback, team growth and development
• Teach and direct existing staging/motivation, choreography and Disney Character development to Character, Mainstage and Shipboard performers involved in Disney Cruise Line Shipwide productions – including but not limited to theatrical dining, adult and family offerings, deck parties, theme nights, premium offerings, character programs and other Disney specific entertainment events and activities
• Direct actors and singers in various styles of live performance, with a significant focus on sketch comedy, improvisation, interactive and immersive theatrical experiences
• Develop, drive and oversee the rehearsal process for assigned programs, providing direction that maintains the original creative intent and supports creative integrity
• Lead rehearsals and ensure the sustainability and excellence of performances
• Work in partnership with the Production Manager on all cast related issues – both creative and operational
• Partner with Disney Live Entertainment Talent Casting to support the casting, assigning, and tracking of Disney Characters and Disney principle actors and understudies for Shipwide entertainment offerings.
• Collaborate and partner with a range of Disney professionals, to include:

• Disney Cruise Line Resident Directors, Production Managers, Production Supervisors, Character Managers, Dance Supervisors, Vocal Directors

• Shipboard Cruise Directors, Assistant Cruise Directors, and onboard Entertainment Team staff

• Disney Live Entertainment Creative Directors, Show Directors, Choreographers, Production Teams and Costuming Teams

• Disney Live Entertainment Talent Casting

• Disney Character Programs & Development

• Overall responsibility for maintaining Disney creative standards, including but not limited to show quality, character integrity, and Disney standards of safety
• Give notes and performance feedback to production teams and performers
• Actively participate on the DCL Toronto leadership team to ensure creative and production goals are met
• Travel for Show Quality Sustainment cruises and crossovers depending on rehearsal schedule in Toronto and/or operational need onboard
• Collaborate with the DCL Toronto team in the ongoing management and future planning of all DCL rehearsals

Desired Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Post-Secondary education in entertainment performance, instruction & management – or equivalent in professional experience is strongly preferred
• At least 10 years professional experience (or equivalent in education and experience) in LIVE theatrical entertainment – must include acting, vocal, and choreographic performance and direction
• 5 years leadership and supervisory experience in a fast-paced entertainment environment such as the Walt Disney Company (or similar)
• Must have at least 3 years experience as a Resident or Theatrical Director, preferably for The Walt Disney Company, or a similar Children’s or Family Theatre entertainment entity
• Excels at interpreting, upholding and maintaining previously established creative content
• Accomplished and credited directorial expertise of large and small-scale musical theater performance, sketch comedy, interactive/immersive experiences, and technical theater/stage craft
• Excels at motivating and inspiring theatrical professionals, serving as a mentor to future creative and artistic leaders
• Committed to leading and working within a diverse and inclusive workspace
• Demonstrated ability to interface with all levels of management
• Thorough understanding of Disney character brand usage and how it interfaces with the Disney Cruise Line repertory theatre operation
• Clear understanding of DCL’s Mainstage and Character recruiting and casting processes
• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Fluency in Spanish is an asset
• Computer proficiency – Excel, Word, Outlook and Keynote
• Willingness & ability to travel to the U.S. and internationally
• Agreeable to all maritime sailing and seafarer guidelines, requirements and regulations, including sailing onboard the DCL ships statused as “crew" and assigned to the crew manifest.
• Able to work with a flexible and fluid production schedule including weekends and long days during busy periods. 

Our Company proudly provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants.  We welcome and encourage applications from persons with disabilities.  Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process.